Sotheby's To Sell Incredible Single-Owner Collection Of Unique Pateks, Including A TITANIUM Sky Moon Tourbillon And The First Split-Seconds, Ever

One of the most interesting parts of our job is witnessing horological history change. Of course, we're not talking anything earth shattering here like learning you were right about the Big Bang theory, but in our own, watch-nerdy little way, we've gotten to observe things change. Like, with last year's Palmer Grand Complication, we learned that Patek was making grand comps a full decade before what was originally believed. Or back in 2011, this minute repeater showed us a brand new caliber AND new reference previously unknown. The thing is, we're (not "we" as in HODINKEE, but we as in "us people") discovering great watches all the time, and the folks at Sotheby's New York gave us a call last week to tell us about some of the most incredible modern Patek Philippes they'd ever seen, and a few we simply couldn't believe were real. Let's get into it.

One of the most interesting parts of our job is witnessing horological history change. Of course, we're not talking anything earth shattering here like learning you were right about the Big Bang theory, but in our own, watch-nerdy little way, we've gotten to observe things change. Like, with last year's Palmer Grand Complication, we learned that Patek was making grand comps a full decade before what was originally believed. Or back in 2011, this minute repeater showed us a brand new caliber AND new reference previously unknown. The thing is, we're (not "we" as in HODINKEE, but we as in "us people") discovering great watches all the time, and the folks at Sotheby's New York gave us a call last week to tell us about some of the most incredible modern Patek Philippes they'd ever seen, and a few we simply couldn't believe were real. Let's get into it.

Only Known Sky Moon Tourbillon In Titanium (5001T)

The Sky Moon Tourbillon is the most complicated and most expensive wristwatch ever made by Patek Philippe. It is the undisputed monster of the Patek collection, with a retail price of over $1.2 million. While they do pop up for sale on the secondary market here and there, to buy one new from a Patek AD you must be a serious (serious, serious) long-term client of the brand. This is not a watch that will be sold to just anyone with money, so imagine who might have the clout to convince the Sterns to build their wrist-bound masterpiece IN TITANIUM.

The Reference 5002 Sky Moon tourbillon is a veritable masterwork on the wrist, and just this time last year, the reference 6002 was unveiled with a completely hand crafted and engraved case and dial. The few Sky Moons that have made it into the world have always been in either platinum or gold. Never anything else. Until the watch you see here, coming up for sale at Sotheby's on June 10th. This is a Sky Moon Tourbillon IN TITANIUM. Yes, titanium.

But in addition to this watch being in titanium, it has more than a few different traits. For example, on the case back where the celestial chart is shown, it reads "East North West," whereas on the production model it just shows the first letter of each direction. Additionally, the dial, midcase, and repeater pusher all feature a woven pattern in the metalwork.

The bezel on this Sky Moon is quite thick and features Roman numeral markers on it instead of on the dial like you'd normally see. Additionally, this watch is stamped titanium on a rear lug, and is actually marked with the entire word.

All of these unique traits added up to something so special that Patek itself deemed this watch an entirely different watch than the 5002/6002, and gave it a unique reference number, the 5001T. Something tells us you've never seen one of those before, have you?

This client didn't just have a Sky Moon made in titanium, either. He also had a 5033T made, which is an annual calendar with minute repeater. Again, this watch was only made in precious metals and this is believed to be the only example of this mega complication in titanium.

You most often see the 5033 in platinum with a black dial, but here it is with a silver Roman numeral dial in matte grey titanium. The sound on this watch is just fantastic, and the light weight is remarkable.

Sotheby's has the estimate at a very conservative $400,000-$600,000 for what is very likely the only titanium 5033 of its kind.

Celestial in Titanium (5102T)

We're not done yet. Because this same client also had a Patek Philippe Celestial made in titanium, and it is absolutely awesome.

This titanium Celestial also has a bit of extra case work on it, similar to what's found on the Sky Moon. You can see it here between the lugs.

The pre-sale estimate of the only known titanium Celestial is $200,000-$300,000.

Hieroglyphic Dials (3998J/T)

And there are even some unique pieces down in the more affordable range, with this set of three time-only reference 3998s in both yellow gold and titanium with different hieroglyphic dials.

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The pre-sale estimates on these guys are between $8,000 and $12,000.

Earliest Known Split-Seconds Wristwatch, Ever

Within this incredible collection there is but one single vintage watch. But, if the modern pieces above are any indication of what might be this watch lover's buying choice, you can be sure it's a good one. And by good, we actually mean great. This is the very first split-seconds chronograph wristwatch ever made by Patek Philippe. This is indeed a watch that re-wrote Patek history books when it came to market, proving Patek was doing split-seconds wristwatches a good five years before previously known. In fact, this little officers style watch sold for just shy of 3,000,000 CHF when it came up for sale at Antiquourm's 1999 auction.

This little guy is also the only known example of as split-seconds chronograph from Patek with an enamel dial.

Despite its small size, the historical importance and overall condition make this watch very attractive. You can even see its incredible rattrapante movement easily with the help of the offcer's case back.

The estimate for this piece, which has been on loan from the current owner to the Patek Philippe museum for several years, is $800,000-$1,200,000.

All of these watches will be available in Sotheby's June 10th sale in NYC. This is an exclusive early look at the highlights, while the remaining watches will be announced shortly. You can register for the sale right here though.